Bugleweed (Ajuga nipponensis) Flower, Leaf, Care, Uses

About

Care Guide

Care FAQ

More About How-Tos

Pests & Diseases

Distribution

More Info

Related Plants

Home > Plant Encyclopedia > Bugleweed

Care Guide for Bugleweed

Sunlight

See Details

Full sun, Partial sun

Hardiness Zones

See Details

9 to 11

Know the light your plants really get.

Find the best spots for them to optimize their health, simply using your phone.

Download the App

A Botanist in Your Pocket

Scan QR code to download

Bugleweed

Water

Every week

Hardiness Zones

9 to 11

Download and print this plant care card and attach it to your plants

Download

Questions About Bugleweed

Watering

Pruning

Sunlight

Fertilizing

What is the best way to water my Bugleweed?

To water Bugleweed, you can use a garden hose with a spray nozzle, a watering can, or just about any other common watering tool. Generally, Bugleweed is not too picky about how they receive their water, as they can live off of rainwater, tap water, or filtered water. Often, you should try not to water this plant from overhead, as doing so can damage the leaves and flowers and may lead to disease as well. At times, the best method for watering this plant is to set up a drip irrigation system. These systems work well for Bugleweed as they apply water evenly and directly to the soil. For one Bugleweed that grows in a container, you can use a similar watering approach while changing the tools you use. To water a container-grown Bugleweed, use a cup, watering can, or your tap to apply water directly to the soil.

What should I do if I water my Bugleweed too much or too little?

The remedy for underwatering Bugleweed is somewhat obvious. When you notice that your plant lacks moisture, simply begin watering it on a more regular basis. The issue of overwatering can be a much more dire situation, especially if you fail to notice it early. When your Bugleweed is overwatered, it may contract diseases that lead to its decline and death. The best way to prevent this outcome is to choose a proper growing location, one that receives plenty of sunlight to help dry the soil and has good enough drainage to allow excess water to drain rather than pooling and causing waterlogged soils. If you overwater your Bugleweed that lives in a pot, you may need to consider changing it to a new pot. Your previous container may not have contained soil with good drainage or may not have had sufficient drainage holes. As you repot your overwatered Bugleweed, make sure to add loose soils and to use a pot that drains efficiently.

How often should I water my Bugleweed?

Bugleweed needs water regularly throughout the growing season. Beginning in spring, you should plan to water this plant about once per week. As the season presses on and grows warmer, you may need to increase your watering rate to about two to three times per week. Exceeding at this rate can be detrimental to your Bugleweed. With that said, you should also ensure that the soil in which your Bugleweed grows remains relatively moist but not wet, regardless of how often you must water to make that the case. Watering Bugleweed that lives in a pot is a bit different. Generally, you'll need to increase your watering frequency, as the soil in a pot can heat up and dry out a bit faster than ground soil. As such, you should plan to water a container-grown Bugleweed a few times per week in most cases, versus just once per week for an in-ground plant.

How much water does my Bugleweed need?

There are a few different ways you can go about determining how much water to give to your Bugleweed. Some gardeners choose to pick their water volume based on feeling the soil for moisture. That method suggests that you should water until you feel that the first six inches of soil have become moist. Alternatively, you can use a set measurement to determine how much to water your Bugleweed. Typically, you should give your Bugleweed about two gallons of water per week, depending on how hot it is and how quickly the soil becomes dry. However, following strict guidelines like that can lead to overwatering if your plant requires less than two gallons per week for whatever reason. When growing Bugleweed in a container, you will need to use a different method to determine how much water to supply. Typically, you should give enough water to moisten all of the layers of soil that have become dry. To test if that is the case, you can simply stick your finger in the soil to feel for moisture. You can also water the soil until you notice a slight trickle of excess water exiting the drainage holes of your pot.

How can I tell if i'm watering my Bugleweed enough?

It can be somewhat difficult to avoid overwatering your Bugleweed. On the one hand, these plants have relatively deep roots that require you to moisten the soil weekly. On the other hand, Bugleweed are plants that are incredibly susceptible to root rot. Along with root rot, your Bugleweed may also experience browning as a result of overwatering. Underwatering is far less likely for your Bugleweed as these plants can survive for a while in the absence of supplemental watering. However, if you go too long without giving this plant water, it will likely begin to wilt. You may also notice dry leaves.

How should I water my Bugleweed through the seasons?

You can expect your Bugleweed’s water needs to increase as the season moves on. During spring, you should water about once per week. Then, as the summer heat arrives, you will likely need to give a bit more water to your Bugleweed, at times increasing to about three times per week. This is especially true of Bugleweed that grow in containers, as the soil in a container is far more likely to dry out faster than ground soil when the weather is warm. In autumn, while your Bugleweed is still in bloom, it may need a bit less water as the temperature has likely declined, and the sun is no longer as strong as it was in summer.

How should I water my Bugleweed at different growth stages?

Bugleweed will move through several different growth stages throughout the year, some of which may require more water than others. For example, you will probably start your Bugleweed as a seed. While the seed germinates, you should plant to give more water than your Bugleweed will need later in life, watering often enough to maintain consistent soil moisture. After a few weeks, your Bugleweed will grow above the soil and may need slightly less water than at the seedling phase. Then, once this plant is mature, you can begin to use the regular watering frequency of about once per week. As flower development takes place, you may need to give slightly more water to aid the process.

What's the difference between watering Bugleweed indoors and outdoors?

There are several reasons why most Bugleweed grow outdoors rather than indoors. The first is that these plants typically grow to tall. The second reason is that Bugleweed needs more daily sunlight than most indoor growing locations can provide. If you are able to provide a suitable indoor growing location, you may find that you need to give your Bugleweed water a bit more often than you would in an outdoor growing location. Part of the reason for this is that indoor growing locations tend to be a lot drier than outdoor ones due to HVAC units. The other reason for this is that soil in containers can dry out relatively quickly as well compared to soil in the ground.

Is pruning necessary for my Bugleweed?

Bugleweed is a kind of annual plant so it doesn't need much pruning. You only need to cut off and clean the diseased, yellow or dropped leaves and stems during its growing period. This will help your Bugleweed to stay away from pathogens infection.

How do I prune my Bugleweed?

During the growth of the plant, yellowing, drying and spotted leaves are produced, and these spotted and discolored leaves need to be trimmed off. If the whole piece of leave is discolored or infected, you will need to cut it off completely. In other situations, you will only need to cut off the discolored or infected part on certain leaves. Bugleweed above the ground will die and dry up in the winter, and the dead plants need to be cleaned up.

Are there any cautions I should be careful with when pruning my Bugleweed?

Bugleweed leaves are delicate, so take care not to score or bruise them. Unless the leaves are withered or heavily discolored, do not prune the leaves from the lowermost branches unless they’re damaged. They typically grow the largest, so they supply the plant with critical energy to keep it growing right. Please prevent the wounds from water after pruning until they are fully recovered. Remember always sterilize the tools before pruning. When the pruning is finished, please throw all the waste leaves and stems into the trashbins to avoid diseases and bugs.

Are there any tips for pruning my Bugleweed?

Sterilize all the tools before pruning; unclean tools will pass pathogens to the plant through wounds;
Prune on sunny days because the new cuts will be infected by pathogens if they're distained by rain or water.
Throw all the waste leaves and stems into trashbins, they will easily rot and attract diseases and bugs

When should/shouldn't I prune my Bugleweed?

Expect to prune your Bugleweed every week if it’s growing well or every two weeks if it grows slowly. It is always good to prune it on sunny days because if you prune it on rainy days, the rainwater will distain the cuts and cause the whole plant to be infected.

What should I look for when pruning my Bugleweed in different seasons?

Because Bugleweed is an annual plant, the pruning should take place basically during the seasons that the plant grows rapidly. During the growth of the plant, yellowing, drying and spotted leaves are produced, and these spotted and discolored leaves need to be trimmed off.

How much sunlight should Bugleweed get per day to grow healthily?

You must expose the plants to at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily. They prefer more exposure to the morning light, especially in the summer. The Bugleweed needs full sun and more sunlight that it can get. The more light these species get, the more they can manufacture food, produce beautiful blooms, and survive.

What type of sunlight does Bugleweed need?

The Bugleweed grows best under full sunlight. It's best not to crowd them together so they can get exposure to the sun evenly. The leaves shouldn't be starved with sunlight. If planted in pots, try to expose the herbaceous flowers in windows with direct sun and ensure they receive full sunlight regardless of the months.

They don't tend to do well in partial or filtered light as this will not produce strong stems and healthy flowers. It's best if the Bugleweed is always exposed to the sun.

Can sunlight hurt plants? How to protect Bugleweed from sun and heat damage?

When the temperature rises above 90℉(32℃), the Bugleweed can get damaged by extreme temperatures, especially if they are exposed to many hours of sun. It's always ideal for providing some shade from the light in the afternoon in the summer. It's always important to keep in mind that the sunlight in the summer is stronger than the one in the winter. Sunlight exposure is also 50% longer in the summer than in the winter.

If the Bugleweed is too stressed with sunlight, you might want to keep them fully hydrated. Water them when the top of the soil is about 2 inches dry, and move the plants indoors if it's too hot outside. This is the case if they are planted in containers.

It can be normal for the plant leaves to wilt during the day. Generally, they can recover at night. However, when you notice that the Bugleweed is still drooping, this means that the plant is losing water fast, and you need to water them.

Should I protect Bugleweed from sun exposure?

The Bugleweed does not need any protection from the sun. In fact, they love the sun, and some species are heliotropic. Plant them in south-facing gardens whenever possible so they can be exposed from morning to afternoon. While the sun can benefit them, some may experience a sunburn. You might offer protection from the afternoon and midday sun through a shade of a tree or a wall.

Growing the Bugleweed in shady areas is impossible because the larger flowers would require a lot of energy to grow and produce. Always provide the lighting conditions and set them in an area with full sun for best results.

What will happen if Bugleweed gets inadequate sunlight?

When the Bugleweed does not get adequate sunlight, or they are not placed in full sun locations, it's worth noting that the photosynthetic process will slow down. A lack of sunlight will cause the stems to become more leggy since they become thin and long since they tend to seek too much sunlight. They will not bloom and produce seeds in the shade.

Inadequate sunlight will also mean that the older leaves can die, the color of the new ones is lighter than the old foliage, and the new growth is smaller than the last ones.

The Bugleweed indeed loves the sun so much. However, they can wilt when exposed to excessive heat and ultraviolet light during the extreme summer months, so be careful. You might want to cover them with a net that has a green shade, especially in the summer, to prevent the leaves and the flowers from scorching. When they are indoors, reduce the heat with the help of a fan.

Does Bugleweed need special care about sunlight during its different growth stages?

When the Bugleweed is growing, they need more light than their mature counterparts. The younger ones should receive adequate light, but they might not be prepared for sudden full sunlight, especially if they are grown in a nursery. They can be more sensitive to the summer sun, so the lighting should be gradual and slow.

How much light does Bugleweed need for photosynthesis?

During summer or late spring, the Bugleweed needs 6 to 8 hours of direct light every single day. This is whether they are planted outdoors. If the Bugleweed is planted in pots or you're growing them in the winter, they need direct fluorescent lights that help them grow better. Make sure to place them in an indoor area where they are facing south or east so they can have enough sunlight for photosynthesis.

Are there any cautions or tips for sunlight and Bugleweed?

When transplanting the plants, they should not be exposed to sudden sunlight. Give the Bugleweed to grow and mature before transplanting outside. Some species of herbaceous plants can grow taller and might cast a shade on other young plants. Allow between 80 to 100 days of growing season before planting another batch to ensure that every plant receives more than enough sunlight for at least 6 hours a day.

Make sure that the Bugleweed receives the best light possible, especially if it's planted in a nursery. These are sun-loving plants, but too much sunlight with a very hot temperature is also detrimental to their growth. Indoor lights should be replaced with natural sunlight as much as possible since these species crave this every day.

Why do I need to fertilize my Bugleweed?

Plants need nutrients to survive; most gardeners, regardless of experience, are well aware of this factor. However, without food, Bugleweed will die out soon after the first pollination. Therefore, providing the right type of nutrients in the right amounts is the best way to keep Bugleweed going throughout the blooming season and producing large, beautiful flowers.

Fertilizer also helps Bugleweed build a large, healthy root system. This plant needs all the help it can get since its root system is very thin and easily damaged. Fertilizing at planting helps Bugleweed build a solid root structure that not only provides stability to the plant, but also sets the stage for a sensational flowering performance. When timed correctly, fertilization can greatly extend Bugleweed's flowering period.

When is the best time to fertilize my Bugleweed?

Bugleweed puts on tremendous growth early in the growing season, once the danger of the last frost has passed. It’s during this time that Bugleweed should be fertilized; more specifically, during planting. The idea is to apply when the plant is first planted in the ground or in planters; however you choose to plant it. This will be the only dose of fertilizer until later in the year, when blooms are in full force.

Once the season is in full swing and Bugleweed has opened most of its blooms at full size, it’s time to start fertilizing again. Around the time when blooms are at peak output, begin fertilizing again once every three to four weeks, as weather permits. Then, after Bugleweed starts to put out fewer new blooms, stop fertilizing; there’s no need to fertilize when the plant can’t produce any more blooms.

When should I avoid fertilizing my Bugleweed?

While regular fertilizing is important for Bugleweed, it absolutely can be applied at the wrong time. Some situations call for holding back the fertilizer once in a while. These are usually climate related, but they also include a variety of controllable factors. Essentially, when something is wrong with the plant, the soil, or the climate, wait it out until things have been smoothed over and the plant has recovered.

An example of when not to fertilize is if there are severe or unexpected changes in the weather. If a cold nap suddenly comes in the middle of summer, wait until it’s warm again to start fertilizing. The same stands for if the soil becomes too dry or too packed to absorb anything. At this point, fertilizer will be going straight to the roots, rather than being diffused by soil before it reaches them. As you can imagine, the roots of Bugleweed aren’t very fond of that.

When temperatures soar during the hottest parts of the day into the 90-degree fahrenheit range, don’t apply fertilizer. Since fertilizer can be broken down at various speeds depending on temperature, it’s especially important not to allow hot temperatures to break it down too quickly. Pests or diseases should also be treated and cleared up before re-fertilizing.

What type of fertilizer does my Bugleweed need?

Most types of Bugleweed need the same general balance of nutrients from fertilizer. These should come in the form of a fertilizer that’s formulated specifically for high-yield blooming plants. A fertilizer with a higher level of phosphorus is the best option. This type of fertilizer has a higher P number in its NPK number, for example 10-30-10.

Several fertilizer brands sell a fertilizer that’s perfect for blooming plants like Bugleweed, which are an easy and fuss-free way to provide the right nutrients. If you do choose to use a pre-mixed fertilizer, follow the directions on the package to prevent Bugleweed from getting too much or too little fertilizer, both of which can cause the plant to grow poorly or even wilt entirely.

How do I fertilize my Bugleweed?

Depending on the type of fertilizer you have, specific fertilizing instructions may vary. However, there are a few general tips for applying most types of fertilizer to Bugleweed. The first fertilizer application, which should be when you first plant Bugleweed, will likely consist of mixing the recommended amount of fertilizer into the soil before planting and watering in the Bugleweed.

Subsequent fertilizing may look a little different. For pellet fertilizers, simply mix the pellets into the top inch of soil around the outer edge of the plant, where the roots are. Water them in very well at first, then water regularly after that. Other fertilizers may be mixed into a watering can and applied just like a regular watering. Follow any instructions on fertilizer packaging for consistency, but if you’d rather keep things on a regular schedule, shoot for every three to four weeks.

What happens if I fertilize my Bugleweed too much?

Over-fertilizing is a very easy mistake to make for first-time gardeners, or even for experienced gardeners trying out a new product. Fortunately, Bugleweed makes this issue known very well by displaying several signs of distress. You may notice that its leaves are yellowing quickly, the foliage may wilt, or new blooms may be under-developed. These are all clear signs of too much food.

When you fertilize Bugleweed too frequently, you create uninhabitable soil conditions. Soil may become too hot, which is a term used to describe when soil is too saturated with minerals, nutrients, or compost, and ends up burning the roots of anything planted in it. It’s a good idea to flush out the soil well once a month or so, just by watering twice as much as normal with good drainage.

Get tips and tricks for your plants.

Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.

More About How-Tos

Explore 5 of plant how-tos on Feng shui direction, Water, Lighting, Temperature, Transplant, etc.

Feng shui direction

West

Bugleweed is provisionally well-matched with Feng Shui, particularly when faced West. This could be due to the plant's intrinsic properties subtly resonating with the metal element of the West, thus contributing to the overall harmony of the space. However, pleasant results may vary as Feng Shui understanding is deeply personal and complex.

Learn More

Water

Every week

Learn More

Lighting

Full sun

Bugleweed flourishes under regions of abundant light coverage, absorbing substantial radiance for growth and wellbeing. Slightly shaded areas can also sustain it, although lesser illumination could slightly hamper its vitality. Overexposure or underexposure to light may potentially stress or stunt the growth of this species, evidencing the substantial influence of light on its health.

Learn More

Temperature

0 43 ℃

Learn More

Transplant

1-2 feet

Transplant bugleweed in seasons S1-S3, or in layman's terms, during the cooler months for better root development. A well-drained location with partial shade is ideal. When transplanting, avoid damaging the delicate roots for a successful relocation.

Learn More

Common Pests & Diseases

Common issues for Bugleweed based on 10 million real cases

Leaf beetles

Leaf beetles are a class of colored insects 1 to 2 cm in size. They gnaw on leaves and petals resulting in small, round holes scattered over the surface.

Solutions: For less serious cases: Remove beetles, nymphs, and eggs. Remove all life stages of the beetles and kill them by placing them in a bucket of warm, soapy water. This can be done more easily by placing the bucket under affected leaves and shaking the plant. This method is most effective in the afternoon when leaf beetles are more active. Always dispose of insects in a sealed bag or container to avoid escape and spread. To treat more serious infestations: Apply organic insecticides. Use naturally-derived insecticides before moving on to synthetic insecticides. Neem oil and pyrethrum are naturally-derived insecticides that should be applied following label instructions. Apply synthetic insecticides. Examples of insecticides effective for leaf beetles include carbaryl, permethrin, and bifenthrin. Apply insecticides according to label instructions.

Aged yellow and dry

Natural aging can cause leaves to turn yellow and dry out.

Solutions: If the yellowing and drying of leaves and flowers is a natural progression due to age, nothing can be done to slow or stop the process. Once hormones within the plant begin the process of senescence, it’s irreversible.

Underwatering

Leaves may wilt for a variety of reasons.

Solutions: The easiest (and most obvious) way to address underwatering is to fully hydrate the plant. However, this must be done carefully. A common mistake that many gardeners make is to douse their underwatered plants with water. This can overwhelm the roots of the plant and shock its system, something that can be even more damaging than the lack of water to begin with. Instead, water thoroughly and slowly, taking breaks to let the water slowly saturate through the soil to get to the roots. Use room temperature water, as cold water might be too much of a shock. In the future, shorten the time between waterings. A good rule of thumb is to check the soil around each plant daily. If it’s dry to at least two inches down, it’s time to water. If a container plant is repeatedly drying out very quickly, repotting into a slower-draining container might be a good idea, too.

Leaf deformity

Leaf deformities can have a variety of causes.

Solutions: Follow these steps to revive plants with abnormal leaves. Remove damaged leaves: Plants can recover from damage when given the time to do so. Remove any deformed leaves so they don't continue drawing energy from the plant. This also creates room for healthier ones to grow. Stop using herbicide: Though herbicide damage is challenging to diagnose, gardeners can potentially prevent deformed leaves by not using any and by strictly following manufacturers instructions. Spray insecticide: Prevent pests from inhabiting plant leaves by spraying with insecticide regularly and practicing good natural pest prevention techniques. Apply a balanced fertilizer: Solve nutrient deficiencies and excesses by using a well-balanced fertilizer (organic or conventional both work) before planting, and consider topdressing when signs of stress are apparent. Fix watering schedule: If plant leaves are curled downward due to too much or too little water, adjust the watering schedule so the soil is moist, but not damp. Remove infected plants: If the plant has succumbed to a viral infection, not much can be done to revive it. Remove and destroy all compromised plant material to prevent spread to other plants.

Treat and prevent plant diseases.

AI-powered plant doctor helps you diagnose plant problems in seconds.

Distribution Map

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

More Info

Plant Type

Herb

Bloom Time

Mid spring, Late spring

Scientific Classification

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Mints plantains olives and allies

Family

Mint

Genus

Bugleweed

Species

Bugleweed

Find your perfect green friends.

Plan your green oasis based on your criteria: plant type, pet safety, skill level, sites, and more.

Related Plants

Japanese meadowsweet

Japanese meadowsweet is considered by many to be an invasive species due to its ability to spread rapidly, creating a dense thicket or hedge. The species traces its roots to Japan, Korea, and China and was introduced in other areas because of its attractive flowers. Use caution when planting to make sure that this shrub can be managed appropriately.

Mascarene island leaf flower

Mascarene island leaf flower (Phyllanthus tenellus) is a herbaceous annual plant that will grow from 20 to 48 cm tall. Considered a noxious weed, it is commonly found growing in garden beds, roadsides and other disturbed areas. Small, inconspicuous white flowers bloom in summer. Thrives in full sun to partial shade, in medium to dry, well-drained soil.

Chinese mugwort

Chinese mugwort is a low-growing perennial that is often used as ground cover. This dwarf foliage plant prefers full sun, well-draining soil, and poor soil nutrition. This drought-tolerant plant is native to Japan.

Tropical whiteweed

Tropical whiteweed (Ageratum conyzoides) has a very shallow root system, making it capable of growing in thin and rocky soils along just as well as deep and fertile soil. Their seeds have tiny hairs attached to passing wildlife, allowing them to be spread far and wide. The genus name of this plant, Ageratums, means "non-aging" in Greek and refers to its robust growth and long life.

Tropical Pokeweed

Tropical Pokeweed (Phytolacca icosandra) grows up to 3 m tall. It produces a flower stalk full of white to pink blossoms from summer to winter. Black berries follow blooming. This plant is considered invasive in the United States.

Mickey Mouse plant

Mickey Mouse plant earns its common name from its ripe black fruits which resemble the ears of Mickey Mouse; these hang down from the flower’s bright red sepals, which also resemble the iconic cartoon character’s red shorts. Ochna serrulata is native to South Africa and is often grown as an ornamental garden plant.

View More Plants

Useful Tips

Most Common Herb

Plant Collection Most Common Herb Fragrant plantain lily See More The trademark feature of Asia-native plantain lilies is the numerous glossy oval leaves with deep parallel veins. The Fragrant plantain lily is additionally decorated with strongly fragrant, trumpet-shaped, large white flowers, which are unique in the genus. Hosta plantaginea is one of the favorite cultivatedContinue reading “Most Common Herb”

Useful Tips

Plant Collection Suggested Plants to Build a Garden That Blooms All the Year Round Bearded iris See More BloomTime:Spring The Bearded iris is a flowering plant that appears in many different colors. It is a popular garden plant because it’s easy to grow. Though their native lands are in Europe, Bearded irises are often grownContinue reading “Suggested Plants to Build a Garden That Blooms All the Year Round”

Useful Tips

Most Common Herb

Plant Collection Most Common Herb Golden pothos See More The Golden pothos is a popular flowering house plant that’s commonly seen in Australia, Asia, and the West Indies. It goes by many nicknames, including “devil’s ivy,” because it is so hard to kill, and can grow in the dark. Golden pothos has poisonous sap, soContinue reading “Most Common Herb”

Useful Tips

Plant Collection Suggested Plants to Build a Garden That Blooms All the Year Round White mulberry See More BloomTime:Spring A unique and easy-to-grow edible landscaping plant, the White mulberry is prized for its tasty fruits as well as its exquisite ornamental appeal. Originally native to China, this plant was valued for its role in silkContinue reading “Suggested Plants to Build a Garden That Blooms All the Year Round”

View More Articles

Add to My Garden

Bugleweed

Ajuga nipponensis

Bugleweed is a fast-spreading, low-growing plant with shiny, dark green leaves and spikes of deep blue-purple flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer. It is often used as ground cover and attracts bees and butterflies to the garden.

Hardiness Zones

9 to 11

Care Guide for Bugleweed

Sunlight

Full sun, Partial sun

Hardiness Zones

9 to 11

Know the light your plants really get.

Find the best spots for them to optimize their health, simply using your phone.

Download the App

Questions About Bugleweed

Watering

Pruning

Sunlight

Fertilizing

What is the best way to water my Bugleweed?

What should I do if I water my Bugleweed too much or too little?

How often should I water my Bugleweed?

How much water does my Bugleweed need?

How can I tell if i'm watering my Bugleweed enough?

How should I water my Bugleweed through the seasons?

How should I water my Bugleweed at different growth stages?

What's the difference between watering Bugleweed indoors and outdoors?

Is pruning necessary for my Bugleweed?

How do I prune my Bugleweed?

Are there any cautions I should be careful with when pruning my Bugleweed?

Are there any tips for pruning my Bugleweed?

When should/shouldn't I prune my Bugleweed?

What should I look for when pruning my Bugleweed in different seasons?

How much sunlight should Bugleweed get per day to grow healthily?

What type of sunlight does Bugleweed need?

Can sunlight hurt plants? How to protect Bugleweed from sun and heat damage?

Should I protect Bugleweed from sun exposure?

What will happen if Bugleweed gets inadequate sunlight?

Does Bugleweed need special care about sunlight during its different growth stages?

How much light does Bugleweed need for photosynthesis?

Are there any cautions or tips for sunlight and Bugleweed?

Why do I need to fertilize my Bugleweed?

When is the best time to fertilize my Bugleweed?

When should I avoid fertilizing my Bugleweed?

What type of fertilizer does my Bugleweed need?

How do I fertilize my Bugleweed?

What happens if I fertilize my Bugleweed too much?

Get tips and tricks for your plants.

Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.

Download the App

More About How-Tos

Common Pests & Diseases

Common issues for Bugleweed based on 10 million real cases

Leaf beetles

Leaf beetles are a class of colored insects 1 to 2 cm in size. They gnaw on leaves and petals resulting in small, round holes scattered over the surface.

Learn More

Aged yellow and dry

Natural aging can cause leaves to turn yellow and dry out.

Learn More

Underwatering

Leaves may wilt for a variety of reasons.

Learn More

Leaf deformity

Leaf deformities can have a variety of causes.

Learn More

Treat and prevent plant diseases.

AI-powered plant doctor helps you diagnose plant problems in seconds.

Download the App

Distribution Map

Map

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

More Info

Plant Type

Herb

Bloom Time

Mid spring, Late spring

Scientific Classification

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Mints plantains olives and allies

Family

Mint

Genus

Bugleweed

Species

Bugleweed

Find your perfect green friends.

Plan your green oasis based on your criteria: plant type, pet safety, skill level, sites, and more.

Download the App

Related Plants

Japanese meadowsweet

Spiraea japonica

Mascarene island leaf flower

Discover more articles?

Indoor

Requirements

Full sun

Ideal

Above 6 hours sunlight

Partial sun

Tolerance

About 3-6 hours sunlight

Watch how sunlight gracefully moves through your garden, and choose spots that provide the perfect balance of light and shade for your plants, ensuring their happiness.

Essentials

Preferred

Tolerable

Unsuitable

Know the light your plants really get.

Find the best spots for them to optimize their health, simply using your phone.

Download the App

Artificial lighting

Indoor plants require adequate lighting for optimal growth. When natural sunlight is insufficient, particularly in winter or in less sunny spaces, artificial lights offer a vital solution, promoting faster, healthier growth.
1. Choose the right type of artificial light: LED lights are a popular choice for indoor plant lighting because they can be customized to provide the specific wavelengths of light that your plants need.
Full sun plants need 30-50W/sq ft of artificial light, partial sun plants need 20-30W/sq ft, and full shade plants need 10-20W/sq ft.
2. Determine the appropriate distance: Place the light source 12-36 inches above the plant to mimic natural sunlight.
3. Determine the duration: Mimic the length of natural daylight hours for your plant species. most plants need 8-12 hours of light per day.

Important Symptoms

Insufficient light

Bugleweed, a plant that thrives in full sunlight, is commonly grown outdoors with ample sunlight. When cultivated indoors with inadequate light, it may exhibit subtle symptoms of light deficiency.

(Symptom details and solutions)

Small leaves

New leaves may grow smaller in size compared to the previous ones once they have matured.

Leggy or sparse growth

The spaces between leaves or stems of your Bugleweed may become longer, resulting in a thin and stretched-out appearance. This can make the plant look sparse and weak, and it may easily break or lean due to its own weight.

Faster leaf drop

When plants are exposed to low light conditions, they tend to shed older leaves early to conserve resources. Within a limited time, these resources can be utilized to grow new leaves until the plant's energy reserves are depleted.

Slower or no new growth

Bugleweed enters a survival mode when light conditions are poor, which leads to a halt in leaf production. As a result, the plant's growth becomes delayed or stops altogether.

Lighter-colored new leaves

Insufficient sunlight can cause leaves to develop irregular color patterns or appear pale. This indicates a lack of chlorophyll and essential nutrients.

Solutions

1. To ensure optimal growth, gradually move plants to a sunnier location each week, until they receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Use a south-facing window and keep curtains open during the day for maximum sunlight exposure and nutrient accumulation.2. To provide additional light for your plant, consider using artificial light if it's large or not easily movable. Keep a desk or ceiling lamp on for at least 8 hours daily, or invest in professional plant grow lights for ample light.

Excessive light

Bugleweed thrives in full sun exposure and can tolerate intense sunlight. With their remarkable resilience, symptoms of sunburn may not be easily visible, as they rarely suffer from it.

(Symptom details and solutions)

Chlorosis

Chlorosis is a condition where the plant's leaves lose their green color and turn yellow. This is due to the breakdown of chlorophyll from excessive sunlight, which negatively affects the plant's ability to photosynthesize.

Sunscald

Sunscald occurs when the plant's leaves or stems are damaged by intense sunlight exposure. It appears as pale, bleached, or necrotic areas on the plant tissue and can reduce the plant's overall health.

Leaf Curling

Leaf curling is a symptom where leaves curl or twist under extreme sunlight conditions. This is a defense mechanism used by the plant to reduce its surface area exposed to sunlight, minimizing water loss and damage.

Wilting

Wilting occurs when a plant loses turgor pressure and its leaves and stems begin to droop. Overexposure to sunlight can cause wilting by increasing the plant's water loss through transpiration, making it difficult for the plant to maintain adequate hydration.

Leaf Scorching

Leaf scorching is a symptom characterized by the appearance of brown, dry, and crispy edges or patches on leaves due to excessive sunlight. This can lead to a reduction in photosynthetic capacity and overall plant health.

Solutions

1. Move your plant to the optimal position where it can receive abundant sunlight but also have some shade. An east-facing window is an ideal choice as the morning sunlight is gentler. This way, your plant can enjoy ample sunlight while reducing the risk of sunburn.2. It is recommended to trim off any completely dehydrated or withered parts of the plant.

Discover information about plant diseases, toxicity, weed control and more.

Cookie Name	Source	Purpose	Lifespan
_ga	Google Analytics	These cookies are set because of our use of Google Analytics. They are used to collect information about your use of our application/website. The cookies collect specific information, such as your IP address, data related to your device and other information about your use of the application/website. Please note that the data processing is essentially carried out by Google LLC and Google may use your data collected by the cookies for own purposes, e.g. profiling and will combine it with other data such as your Google Account. For more information about how Google processes your data and Google’s approach to privacy as well as implemented safeguards for your data, please see here.	1 Year
_pta	PictureThis Analytics	We use these cookies to collect information about how you use our site, monitor site performance, and improve our site performance, our services, and your experience.	1 Year

Cookie Name	Source	Purpose	Lifespan
_fbp	Facebook Pixel	A conversion pixel tracking that we use for retargeting campaigns. Learn more here.	1 Year
_adj	Adjust	This cookie provides mobile analytics and attribution services that enable us to measure and analyze the effectiveness of marketing campaigns, certain events and actions within the Application. Learn more here.	1 Year

Care Guide for Bugleweed

Questions About Bugleweed

More About How-Tos

Common Pests & Diseases

Distribution Map

More Info

Scientific Classification

Related Plants

Related Articles

Care Guide for Bugleweed

Questions About Bugleweed

More About How-Tos

Common Pests & Diseases

Distribution Map

Map

More Info

Scientific Classification

Related Plants

Related Articles